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JDM Food Group and Henry Broch Foods (HBF) have entered into a merger agreement to create a new parent company, Jardins and Broch. JDM is a UK-based supplier of vegetables, sauces, dips and purees to the retail, manufacturing, recipe box and foodservice markets. Meanwhile, HBF is a US-based spice, dry-blending and co-packing company that is focused on tailored formulations and seasonings. Jardins and Broch brings together both ingredient companies to create a team of international flavour experts across both wet and dry products. The merger is said to be an "industry-leading player" with significant production capacity, complementary R&D skills and worldwide supply chain networks. The two companies will keep running independently in their local markets but will now have support from each other to expand globally. In addition, JDM and HBF's CEOs, Aisling Kemp and Greg Antonetti, will both continue in their leadership roles, with both playing an active role in integrating, growing and ensuring the future success of the combined group. Kemp said: “The combined expertise and knowledge within the two companies creates a flavour powerhouse with global ambitions. Working with the team at HBF, who share our strong ethics, values and focus on sustainability, is incredibly exciting. Trends in this market are ever-changing, and we are now better able to develop solutions with our culinary teams that deliver on flavour, health and functionality to ensure we evolve alongside consumer demand." She continued: "Working with Sunridge the last two years has been transformational. Their investment has allowed us to accelerate our product capabilities and channel growth. We believe the partnership with HBF will cement that work and create long-term sustainable growth as a true ingredients innovator.” Antonetti added: “This partnership will be a win for our customers, suppliers, team members and other partners. Our aim has always been to build a leading value-added ingredients business, and alongside our long-serving and dedicated team members, we have worked tirelessly towards this goal." He continued: "We are thrilled to bring JDM’s capabilities, especially in wet ingredients, to our customers in North America. The JDM team brings unparalleled expertise, strong production and innovation capabilities, and the ability to serve a wide range of customers across the UK and beyond.”